Ustashe Assassin Kills King Alexander I and Barthou
October 9th, 1934
October 9th, 1934

How Long Ago?
90 years, 5 months, 6 days ago
Location
Marseille, France
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Alexander I of Yugoslavia
- Louis Barthou
- The Ustashe assassin
Links & References
Tags
Ustashe Assassin Kills King Alexander I and Barthou
In Marseille, an Ustashe assassin assassinated King Alexander I of Yugoslavia and Louis Barthou, the Foreign Minister of France. This violent act occurred during a state visit, where tensions were high due to rising nationalist sentiments in the Balkans. The assassin, who was affiliated with a Croatian nationalist group, used a pistol to carry out the attack, resulting in the immediate deaths of the two leaders and leaving a significant mark on international relations.
King Alexander aimed for Yugoslav unity.
The Ustashe sought Croatian independence.
Assassination occurred during a public visit.
Political consequences affected international relations.
What Happened?
During a state visit to France, King Alexander I of Yugoslavia was assassinated in Marseille alongside Louis Barthou, the French Foreign Minister. The assassin, a member of the Ustashe, a Croatian nationalist organization, approached the officials while they were in an open motorcade. In the midst of a growing nationalist sentiment in the region, this attack aimed to destabilize Yugoslavia and assert Croatian independence. The weapon used was a pistol, and the violence unfolded before shocked witnesses, including police and government officials. Following the assassination, the French authorities quickly apprehended the assassin, but the incident sparked widespread outrage and had significant implications for Yugoslav-French relations.The assassination of King Alexander was not merely an attack on two political figures but symbolized the turbulence in the Balkans during the early 20th century. These tensions were exacerbated by nationalistic movements and the disintegration of empires after World War I. King Alexander's death led to a power vacuum and a series of political shifts within Yugoslavia, making it difficult for the government to maintain stability and pursue its objectives. The event also heightened security at international gatherings and reshaped diplomatic interactions in the Mediterranean region, as nations reevaluated their approaches to national security against such violent extremism.
Why Does it Matter?
This event is significant as it marked a turning point in Yugoslav history and the dynamics of European politics. The assassination highlighted the fragility of Balkan states in the interwar period and intensified the focus on nationalist movements. It also revealed the dangers posed by extremist groups like the Ustashe, foreshadowing further conflicts in the region leading up to World War II. The repercussions of this violent act resonated across Europe, influencing how countries interacted in international affairs.
Discover More Historic Events from October 9th
Hurricane Milton Strikes Siesta Key, Florida
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key, Florida, as a powerful Category 3 hurricane, bringing destructive winds and heavy rains to the area. This event occurred just two weeks after Hurricane Helene, which had already caused significant strain on the state's resources. Milton generated widespread damage estimated at over $85 billion, leaving communities in disarray and prompting large-scale emergency response efforts across the region.
Continue ReadingTurkey's Military Offensive in Northeastern Syria
Turkey initiated a military offensive in northeastern Syria targeting Kurdish forces. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Peace Spring,' aimed to create a safe zone along the southeastern border of Turkey. The offensive was sparked by Turkey's long-standing concerns over Kurdish militias, which it views as terrorist organizations linked to the PKK. This military action primarily focused on areas in the Syrian provinces of Hasakah and Raqqa.
Continue ReadingRohingya Attack on Myanmar Security Forces
The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) launched its first significant attack on Myanmar security forces, targeting police posts along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. This operation, described by ARSA as a response to ongoing persecution of the Rohingya people, led to the deaths of several police officers. The assault marked a turning point in the conflict between the Rohingya community and Myanmar’s government, sparking international attention and further military responses from Myanmar.
Continue ReadingAssassination Attempt on Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani advocate for girls' education, was targeted by the Pakistani Taliban while on a school bus in the Swat Valley. She was shot in the head, leading to international outrage and a surge of support for her cause. Malala survived the assassination attempt, highlighting the risks faced by advocates for education in regions affected by extremism.
Continue ReadingNASA's Lunar Impact Test Success
NASA successfully conducted its Lunar Precursor Robotic Program, impacting the lunar surface with the LCROSS mission. The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) launched a projectile into the Moon's Cabeus crater to search for water ice. This mission was part of a broader initiative to prepare for future human exploration by gathering data about the Moon's resources.
Continue ReadingDow Jones Hits Record High Before Collapse
The Dow Jones Industrial Average skyrocketed to an unprecedented 14,164 points, illustrating a peak in the stock market that reflected investor optimism. However, this peak proved short-lived as financial instability brewed beneath the surface, leading to significant market corrections. Triggered by the collapse of the housing bubble and failures in mortgage-backed securities, the situation quickly escalated into a full-blown financial crisis that would impact economies worldwide.
Continue Reading